Founder of Elka Watch Co.Hakim El Kadiri
Elka is a brand that echoes my vision. ELKA Watch Co. was launched in 2022. How and why? I dreamt of developing my own brand but above all I wanted a brand with a story, truth & credibility. I chose to call it by my nickname, ELKA. Since I love the 60s, the products and the aesthetics of that era I have decided to make it my design line for this and future collections. When I wanted to protect the name, I realised that a brand called Elka Watch had already existed but had disappeared around the 60s & 70s precisely during the timeframe that I have chosen to base my designs on. This defunct Elka Watch was named after Eduard Louis Kiek from Amsterdam. I looked through its archives and realised that the brand had strong designs and had worked closely with other big names in the watch industry such as Ulysse Nardin, Heuer, Rolex, Minerva, to name only a few!
Why Elka
ELKA watches are inspired by the times when a product was kept for life. You invested in durability, quality and uniqueness. The mindset is to step back to that period in the 1960s. To those pure and colourful aesthetics we still remember; back to the magical dreams of the space race, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Woodstock; a return to the struggles, the changes, the rebellious spirit that so marked that decade. What if we had never really left that decade? What if we went back to it, body and soul, to become once again those enthusiastic and revolutionary people who made society move so much? The same values demonstrated at that time are still strong today. Boldness and elegance are timeless, whether they date from 1960s or the 2020s.
Form Follows Function: The Story of Elka Watch Co.
Elka Watch Co. is an independent Swiss watch brand, relaunched in 2022 by Hakim El Kadiri, who previously held development management positions at several Swatch Group brands, including Rado, Hamilton, Endura, and Swatch. The brand builds on a rich watchmaking heritage, as Elka was originally founded in 1877 by Edouard Louis Kiek in Amsterdam (from which Elka is an acronym). Notably, Kiek was the watchmaker to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Elka Watch distinguishes itself with its neo-vintage, elegant, and minimalist Swiss-made watches, drawing inspiration from this long history and a product philosophy focused on creating objects designed to last a lifetime. Philosophy & Motto Elka Watch's motto today is "Form Follows Function," reflecting a design approach where aesthetics serve utility and durability. The brand aims to create high-quality, unique, and timeless watches, reminiscent of the pure and colorful aesthetic of the 1960s. The case shapes of several models are inspired by pocket watches, seeking to create an "organic" object that is pleasant to the touch. Historical Heritage Founded in 1877 by Edouard Louis Kiek in Amsterdam, the Elka brand boasts a long history, including its role as watchmaker to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Main Collections: • D-Series: Rooted in the watchmaking history of pocket watches, this series is characterized by understated and refined designs, with captivating dials and high-quality finishes. • X-Series: Inspired by a flight instrument created by Heuer for the original Elka Watch, it shares the same case as the D-Series, offering a different aesthetic and distinct character. • Arinis: Launched in 2024, this is the first "lake" diving watch fully dedicated to Lake Neuchâtel. It features a robust design, certified water resistance up to 200 meters (tested at 25 bars), and a ceramic bezel with elements inspired by the Celtic wheel discovered in the lake. Movements & Quality Elka watches are equipped with quality Swiss movements, notably the Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA (MLJP) LJP-G100 caliber, offering a 68-hour power reserve. They are recognized for their excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Notable Collaborations: • Elka x Heroes Media: A remarkable collaboration with Heroes Media (which publishes Auto Heroes, Moto Heroes, Montre Heroes magazines, among others), resulting in an ultra-limited edition of 25 pieces. This watch, in "Heroes" colors and spirit (notably featuring the iconic raven), boasts a black and white design, a "Gun" colored sandblasted case, and discreet Heroes logo details. • Elka x Loch Lat: A unique collaboration with a Neuchâtel single malt whisky, Loch Lat, celebrating the heritage of the Saint-Blaise region. A limited series of 25 watches was created for the occasion. • Elka x Ace Jewelers (D-Series Essence): A collaboration focused on minimalism and purity of design. Sustainable Commitment The brand emphasizes an anti-waste approach, particularly with reusable textile packaging. Where to Buy an Elka Watch: Elka watches are available for purchase through several channels: • Official Online Store: Explore and buy collections directly on the official Elka Watch Co. website: elkawatch.ch/watches-straps • Authorized Retailers: Elka Watch has a network of physical and online retailers in Switzerland and internationally, including: o In Switzerland: Jewelers and watchmakers in Neuchâtel (e.g., Bernhard Muller Bijoutiers), La Chaux-de-Fonds, Geneva, Luzern, Nyon, Monthey, and more. o International: Online platforms and specialized boutiques in France (e.g., Utinam in Besançon and Freret-Roy in Paris), Germany (e.g., Roth Juwelier in Ulm and Chronofactum), Austria in Vienna at UhrWerk and in Krems at Kalteis, the Netherlands (e.g., Ace Jewelers, Mr Watchief), Canada (e.g., Watch DNA), and the United States (at Devries Jewelers in Grand Rapids). • Limited Editions: Certain special editions, such as those from collaborations (e.g., Heroes Media, Loch Lat, Ace Jewelers), may be available in very limited series and sometimes through specific channels linked to partners.